Guava, the health benefits of this tropical fruit

Guava is a tropical fruit that is delicious and nutritious. One can consume it raw or as an addition to other foods. Or one can cook the fruit flesh into a food dish. It has a lot of nutrients in it and loads of health benefits.

Guava

Guava is a fruit that grows in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The plant bearing it is a tree. And it’s leaves are dark green and tough and heavy. They are placed opposite on the branch and are simple, oval or elliptical with a length of five to fifteen centimetres. The flowers are white in color and have five petals. The stamens are multiple.

The fruit is oval or round with a length of around four to twelve centimetres. And the fruit has innumerable seeds inside near the center of the pulpy flesh. The outer skin of the fruit is light green while the pulp is either white or pink in color depending on the variety. The fruit has a fragrance like a lemon rind but less strong. Raw fruits have a sour to sweet taste while ripe ones are sweet.

Nutritional facts and culinary uses

As per the USDA data, 100 grams of the fruit has 68 calories. Total carbs are 14 grams with sugar of 9 grams. The dietary fiber content is 5 grams. Its protein amount is 2.6 grams. And the total fat is 1 gram. Out of this saturated fats are 0.3 grams. Cholesterol is nil. It has low sodium at 2 mg and potassium level is 417 mg in 100 grams.

The fruit is a storehouse of vitamin C. 100 grams has 380% of vitamin C or ascorbic acid in it. It contains other vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B6, vitamin A, iron, calcium, magnesium, etc. Moreover, it is rich in antioxidants and has pectin.

Both the fruit and leaves of the plant are edible. The fruit is taken raw (cut or whole) with or without salt and pepper. In Cuba, it is a popular snack. Whereas in Philippines, it is cooked into a dish. It can be added to fruit or vegetable salads.

Its juice is popular in fresh or bottled form. This juice is part of hot or cold sauces, candies, ales, fruit bars, dried snacks, and desserts. Latin American countries including Mexico use this fruit in the making of their popular beverage, Agua fresca. Additionally, the fruit has high pectin and used in making jams, jelly, marmalade, and such preserves.

The leaves of the fruit can be infused and consumed as a tea. They have medicinal properties.

Health claims

Guava has a lot of dietary fiber. This can solidify the stools and help in loose motions. At the same time, it softens stools and overcomes constipation. People suffering from irritable bowel syndrome can get benefits from this fruit. The leaves extract reduces severity and duration of loose motions.

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Moreover, the leaf extract of this tree can relieve menstrual cramps. It is more effective than painkillers. Additionally, it boosts immunity due to its high vitamin C content. It fights bacteria and reduces duration of common colds.